From Monday 12th April, a number of pubs reopened for the first time in six months for outdoor table service, as permitted in the latest stage of the government’s road map out of lockdown.
Many of us have been looking forward to this day, not just to drink fresh cask beer but to get together with friends who we haven’t been able to see in a while.
We’d like to celebrate this week by sharing photographs of folk enjoying a drink with friends at pubs, please feel free to tag your pics on Twitter @shfCAMRA or post them on our Facebook page, alternatively email and we’ll consider it for a piece on this website!
Not all pubs are able to open this week – either they don’t have a suitable outdoor space or it simply isn’t financially viable for them, these are expected to open when indoor service is allowed, provisionally 17th May.
The beer gardens are expected to be popular but only have limited capacity, some of those venues that are taking table reservations are fully booked for the first week of opening (so if you can’t make it to a pub you’ve booked don’t forget to call and cancel so someone else can have that table!) whilst others are offering walk ins
What you need to know:
First of all, you can check out our map of pubs that are opening for outdoor table service. Links are provided via whatpub.com to each venue’s social media to check their opening hours and any booking requirements.
Government Covid safety rules are in force (please be nice to the staff having to make them work!):
- you must wear a face covering when you arrive and whenever you are stood up / moving around the premises. You do not need to wear it when sat at a table.
- every individual customer must sign in to the NHS Test & Trace system. The easiest and quickest way of doing this is using the app to scan the QR code poster but the alternative of filling in a paper form will generally be available. Staff are required to check you have signed in correctly (minimum £1000 fine to pubs that serve someone not checked in correctly!). They will then direct you to a specific table that has been cleaned ready for you.
- Measures are in place to facilitate social distancing. This includes one way walking routes and tables & chairs spaced carefully apart.
- Rule of 6 in force as by law the most we are allowed to meet is 6 people or 2 households, therefore the maximum table size available is 6 people.
- Table service is in operation – you must be sat at a table to eat/drink, place your order with staff at the table and your order will be delivered to your table. In some venues an app or website will be available to order from your table using your smart phone. Payment at table is also encouraged although where venues cannot facilitate that (for example the signal for the card machine doesn’t reach that far) they are allowed to invite you inside to pay.
- Pubs are only allowed to serve customers outside for now, however you may still use facilities like toilets inside (but must wear a face covering when indoors).
- Raised voices can project any germs further so conversation at normal level is encouraged by the government guidelines. For this reason any music, TV etc has to be kept strictly at background volume.
Travel to the pub
Buses, trains, trams and taxis are all operating and you are required to wear a face covering on board unless exempt. On public transport you are also asked to observe social distancing guidelines (one person per double seat unless same household and to sit with rows zig-zagged).
- Bus and tram timetables are available here
- Train information is available here
- City Taxis
- Uber
- Network Taxis
